Lewington's Family Makes the Trip for NHL Debut

Tyler Lewington's mom, dad and sister came to Ottawa to watch his first ever National Hockey League game

Caps defenseman Tyler Lewington made his NHL debut tonight against the Senators in Ottawa. The 24-year-old Edmonton native was Washington's seventh-round choice (204th overall) in the 2013 NHL draft and his debut comes after he has skated in 201 regular season games at the AHL level.

Lewington was recalled from the Hershey Bears on December 15th and has been with the team since.

"That's exciting for any young player," says Reirden, "and in particular his path in terms of getting is one where he has scratched and clawed and earned everything he has gotten for this chance. I'm looking forward to seeing him play his first National Hockey League game tonight. It's always fun to be a part of."

Lewington, has recorded six points (2g, 4a) in 26 games with Hershey this season prior to joining the Capitals and is one of two defensemen to play in every game.

Here to watch him make his debut is his mom Linda, dad Marshall, sister Amanda and her boyfriend who all happened to be in Calgary for Christmas and were able to fly to Ottawa together for tonight's game.

"It's great to be here watching," Marshall said, "It's his whole life. His dream. Watching it all come true is really special."

"It's fun because we keep getting texts from friends at home," said Linda. "That part is really neat. We're just so happy and we're sure he's so excited."